eggbowl | In my blood...

[Zhongli, in turn, is on his feet within the space of Dohalim's movement. it feels almost convenient, this bout of strange exhaustion in the wake of the Renan's sickness - though to his knowledge, he can't get sick in the same way. so why...?

he's just finishing setting out the last pieces of the regalia when Dohalim rejoins him, a weary smile on his lips.]

I'm alright. Just... a little tired. [the redhead will likely be able to see it in the way Zhongli moves. he's quick and precise as ever when it comes to dressing Dohalim, but there's a heaviness to his movements that can only come from tiredness.] My apologies, I hadn't intended to leave you alone, especially after last night... if you do need me, you need only return here or send for me.

[the heavy movements do worry Dohalim a little bit, but he tries to hide in on his face. the bond, however, does betray him just a little, as he can feel his anxiety tug at it. as much as he tries to push it down, he just can't, so he lets out a soft breath, before shaking his head]

I... I will be fine. You should get some rest; if I really do need you, I will see you myself. There is no use on sending for you if you're tired.

[he flashes Zhongli a weak smile]

You allowed me to rest for the night. So I'll offer you the same. Please get some rest, and if you need anything from me, let me know.

[it doesn't feel right, it doesn't feel right leaving him alone. but if all he needs is rest, then it should be fine. he can ignore the bad feeling in the pit of his stomach, and he can ignore the anxiety. once he's fully clothed, Dohalim nudges Zhongli to his bed, drawing the covers over him once he's climbed in]

Dohalim...

[despite allowing himself to be nudged to the bed, Zhongli exhales a little sigh and reaches out to brush the redhead's hair back. it's a gentle, familiar gesture, his smile broadening a little. his own response on their bond is that gentle, warm sensation that wraps around it, thumb brushing Dohalim's cheek before he settles back onto the bed fully.]

Very well. I shall have to make it up to you soon. Perhaps by sharing my other form when my energy has settled properly.

[it's a little enticement, an attempt at giving Dohalim something to look forward to so that he can hold onto that rather than the anxiety that's already begun to take root. and, as a testament to just how much this exhaustion is doing to the deity, his eyelids are already drooping by the time the Renan stands to go work, the urge to doze strong, irresistible even.]

[the warmth of their bond does help settle him slightly, which is good considering the spike of it as he watches Zhongli's eyes slip closed almost too easily. remain calm, Dohalim tells himself, and reminds himself that he's just resting. rest is good, even for a deity.

maybe he'll latch onto the prospect of seeing Zhongli's other form. maybe he can convince himself that some of that nervous energy is excitement. yes, that will do for now, he thinks. bending over, Dohalim brushes his lips against Zhongli's forehead, before slipping out of his room to start his day.

it's more or less uneventful; mostly he's stuck in meetings that had been rescheduled due to... everything that's happened. but, at least, he can focus on them rather than the worry in the pit of his stomach. he does reach out along his and the deity's bond every so often to make sure that the other is alright, and to calm any of his own stress he might be feeling being away from him]

[Zhongli can't help but be a little surprised at the tender gesture, though he says little on it. what can he say, really? any further chatter might change Dohalim's mind, and he'd rather not be the catalyst for that.

besides, it's simple to just... fall asleep, once he's alone. the bed is still faintly warm where they had been lying, and if the astral being is a little covetous of the scent of his companion... well, who's to know? even in rest, the resonance of their bond remains strong and warm, reassuring. unbeknownst to both of them, though, whatever's going on with Zhongli's astral energy affects his whole body in sleep; it seems almost like his body changes to condense all of it and facilitate the regulation both in and around himself.

so, without realising it, the dapper gentleman Zhongli was ends up as a round, diminutive brown and gold dragon, his body half-under the nightshirt he'd been wearing. in sleep, he doesn't notice, nor register anything when he's wriggled out of most of it, tufted tail wrapping around him in a little circle to rest comfortably against his body.]

[it seems as if word of Dohalim's need for Zhongli's companionship had gotten out, especially after the night before. rumours among the staff, while rather hush-hush, did spread like wildfire under Dohalim's and Zhongli's noses. while their lord is free to do what he wants (none of them are in any real position to tell him what to do), there is the worry of being close to someone so soon after Kelzalik's attempt at a coup. maybe it's protectiveness they feel for Dohalim, but with this mysterious man who'd shown up in Dohalim's court not too long ago, of course there would be some who would be wary of the man.

some of them had caught wind of the both of them spending the night together, and had kept watch outside of Dohalim's room. strange that only he left, and not the other man with him; if the rumours of Zhongli spending the night with him aren't true, then if they were to go in, they shouldn't find anything, right? and it's not like their lord had said anything about not wanting anyone turning down his sheets, so... maybe they're being wary for no reason. but they need to know. they need to know that their beloved lord won't be taken advantage of again.

however, as three men sneak inside of Dohalim's chambers, they catch Zhongli at the right moment, astounded as they watch his body shrink down to that of a... a lizard? no, it seems too big to be one, but too small to be a zeugle. so what in the world...

the three of them look at each other for a moment, before descending onto the creature, rough hands grasping at its thick body. the worry is there again, that this monster had gotten close to Dohalim; does the lord know? or had this creature been biding its time to strike? they can't have that if that's the case]

[it's a terrible bout of timing, really. Zhongli is too tired to register it at first, though he stirs at what sounds distantly like... a door, maybe? truly, this is the worst time for this...

it's not until hands descend upon him that he really starts to wake, shaking off any sense of sleepiness. as his eyes open, he reaches up a--

a paw. small, with tiny little claws on its thick little toes. his condensed form? but-- no, wait. refocusing as that paw swipes uselessly at one of the hands, Zhongli shifts into motion. if something were to happen, he needs to ensure Dohalim doesn't get too upset, after all... but if he can avoid capture altogether, so much the better.

so, that thick body - more muscle than anything else, as it turns out, and with enough stretch to be almost reminiscent of a snake - turns out to be a little harder to get a hold on than not. the tuft of his tail smacks against someone's arm as Zhongli scrambles toward the edge of the bed, all instinct in that moment. he just needs to get to the door, he thinks, slink under something so that he can figure out what's going on. it does result in a momentary uptick of activity between their bond, but as soon as the deity realises it, he's trying to tamp down and soothe instead.

his beady eyes, after all, can still tell they're some of Dohalim's men, probably just alarmed that there's such a creature in their Lord's room - a fair thing, really. hopefully, the pursuit won't end in too many things knocked over, though if he's honest Zhongli doesn't have nearly as much spatial control or awareness right now, being both much tinier and much more tired than usual.]

[as potted plants and small objects are knocked over in the pursuit, the men try to catch as much of them as possible as to not raise alarm to anyone who might be walking by the door. only a handful of Dohalim's court and staff know about this plan, but the three of them were brave enough to go through with it. however, they hadn't taken into consideration that the mysterious stranger could turn himself into this creature.

and as much as they try to keep their lord's room in tact, there are, indeed, things that get knocked over and thrown askew as they lunge to grab at the elusive thing. unfortunate for Zhongli, though, that they're smart enough to block the door so he can't escape. there are hushed words thrown at each other as they try to plan out their next move; one has a brilliant idea to grab the top cover of Dohalim's bed and hold it up until the perfect time to strike. it's when Zhongli darts in front of him that he throws the thin blanket over him before diving to grab at him again. hopefully, that plan works; they've been in their lord's room for much longer than they had anticipated]

[between the size of the room, the number of men tracking him, and the state of fatigue he's in, Zhongli doesn't have much chance. the longer it goes, the more clumsy he starts to feel in this small form, and then it's all over.

the sound the little creature makes is indignant as darkness covers his vision; it's not unlike wrangling a cat, really, and to similar results. there are a few huffs of breath and some wriggling, but once it becomes abundantly clear that his kidnappers have a good hold of him (and that escape would require tearing the bedsheet - an unpleasant thought, especially since they're not armed or trying to actively hurt him), he just... gives in.

which doesn't mean he's the most gracious thing though; the man who's caught him will have to deal with the shift of weight when Zhongli deadweights in his arms. his thickly muscled body will only be so cumbersome with the blanket to help wrangle him into a carryable shape, and the entire trip will be made with grumbles and huffs from its depths, tail hanging limply over his captor's arm. it's somewhat mortifying to be so helpless, but at least he should be able to converse with them whenever they get... wherever they're going.

until then, maybe he'll just rest, in case he really does need to get violent.]

[it's a bit of a struggle trying to lift Zhongli up, especially in the bundle of fabric. they... should definitely keep him hidden from plain sight as to not alarm anyone else in the palace. their next, and more important task is to get this thing away from the palace and their lord, in case it has the idea to strike when Dohalim least suspects it. it's not a secret at this point that his constitution isn't at its best (and for good reason), but he still tries so hard to make their lives as comfortable as possible. despite all that has happened, and how the city is still picking itself back up, nothing has changed their way of living. Dohalim hadn't divided the Renans and Dahnans, he still wants that coexistence, and the three of them, along with those still in the palace and those in the city still care for and appreciate him. so they have to protect him this time, until he can do so himself. until he's strong enough to do so.

their footsteps are hurried as they rush out of the palace, seemingly being able to dodge anyone who might be hanging about along the hallways. a small fortune, all things considered. the quickly they deal with this creature, all the better, so they can go back and put Dohalim's room back together before the man discovers the state it was left in. handfuls of minutes pass before Zhongli might catch the fresh scent of forestry; the men manage to sneak past the guards to Gilanne Forest, to a small hideout on one of the platforms in the trees, and away from both zeugles and prying eyes. it's then that they place Zhongli down onto the ground, before lifting the blanket off him, and hoping that he doesn't run away. for a moment, all they do is stare at the little thing, still unarmed, but now unsure of what to do.

all the while, there's a tug at his and Dohalim's bond; the uptick doesn't go unnoticed by the Renan; there's a tinge of worry drawing along it]

[he's certainly paying attention to the changes - the almost stale scent of the palace, dimmed beneath the plethora of plants growing in it, gives way to the bustle of the street and even more quickly to the scent of the forest. they're... certainly being cautious, he notes. and of course, there's no way they could possibly know the depth of what's really going on. most likely, there's no malice to this whole mess.

after all, with Kelzalik in mind... why wouldn't they be worried? then to find a strange creature in their Lord's bed, even if they hadn't seen him shift (a fact Zhongli isn't yet sure about), must have been somewhat... alarming. so, he stows his mortification and anger, little paws thudding faintly on the wood beneath him once he's set down. it takes a long moment for his eyes to adjust to the light, but he certainly doesn't run away - where would he go, anyway? - instead, he sits up, letting his body settle into its somewhat... round state and tilting his head up to look at the three of them.

his response to the bond with Dohalim is apologetic, if a tiny bit late. strong, but still with that lingering tiredness. when he's given what reassurance he can, Zhongli turns most of his attention to his impromptu captors. he needs to figure out what's going on before the Renan comes tearing through in search of him.]

What is the meaning of interrupting my rest?

[despite his diminutive size, there's still a sense of authority to his voice. it's not quite as resonant as Zhongli's normal one, a little higher in tone for some reason, and it's hard to tell if it's coming from the creature's little mouth or just... appearing in the air between them. his tail thumps on the wood beside him, half-incidentally gathering some of the blankets around his body.

how long will it be before he can relax his astral energy? time will tell.]

[there's another tug on their bond, still wrought with worry; Dohalim has to convince himself that Zhongli's probably still tired, and maybe he was startled into wakefulness by something for a moment. nothing bad has happened, he tells himself, and if he's worried, he can go see the deity after this meeting. he keeps telling himself that, but it's another thing to believe his own thoughts, especially with that darkness slowly starting to creep up and claw at him again.

as for what is currently unfolding in the forest, despite actually witnessing Zhongli's form turn into this one, the shocked looks on the men's faces are there. it can talk. how can it talk. this is definitely not a zeugle, that much they can strike off record, but it's still an animal, right? one they have never seen before, but an animal nonetheless. however, while it does have a slightly higher nuance, his authoritative voice does get them to still for a moment; they do indeed recognise that voice to be that of Zhongli's. no doubt about it, that man is this creature, and they weren't imagining it.

there's another stretch of silence between all of them before one of the men speaks up, finally, his own voice wavering ever so slightly.

"W-we want to know who you are... And your intentions with Lord Dohalim."

a simple question, really. would they believe him is another thing altogether]

... you already know who I am. I am Zhongli, a traveler. I suspect your question is more what I am... which is an answer that will no doubt bring further questions before it is understood.

[There's too much to explain, really. Why he's like this, why he's really here. Some he's not even at liberty to explain, but there's a significant huffed sigh as Zhongli stops his tail, curling it around his feet and resting more comfortably. As he considers his words, he sends more soothing sensations along the connection to Dohalim, hoping that whatever circumstance he's in will take long enough that he's done with this conversation before the Renan tries to find him.]

My intentions are to assist his Lordship in any way that I can. He and I have a contract, such that I may help spare him from further pain; he knows what I am. I want the same as you all do, I imagine.

... to that end, I should not be missing overlong.

[It's a lot harder to read him like this than in his human form, at least when he's not in motion.]

[confused murmurs are spoken between the three of them, suspicions still raised about who this person is. a traveler? no one travels between the realms despite their own open borders, especially the Dahnans. Renans don't purely for their own comfort. so for Zhongli to admit such a thing...

and what of this contract he speaks of? what does it entail? how does he intend to help? there are more questions than answers; after more murmuring to each other, the same man turns to Zhongli again.

"What do you mean 'spare him from more pain'? And how do we know you're not lying?"

the other two grunt along with the question, waiting expectantly for an answer. one of them eventually does speak. they do have to wonder if Dohalim really does know about Zhongli and this form; if he does, it seems he's taken it in stride.

"We want to make sure nothing happens to Lord Dohalim."]

[to the contrary, he'd said Dohalim knows what he is, not this form - but of course he neither knows their thoughts, nor would it make a difference to correct them really.

The question about what he means is met with the narrowing of eyes and a flick of ears, one back foot tapping quietly on the wood.]

I needn't remind you of Kelzalik, I'm sure. As to your belief — even at this size, were I of the intent to harm Lord Dohalim, I wouldn't have been so easily captured.

[He's almost amused by their response - relieved, too, that he was correct. His people do care, and they care so much...]

Then we want for the same thing. There is little and less I would like to see than for him to be able to smile more.

[It's a little more than he meant to say, and he'll blame it on the fatigue... but it's hard to deny with the way Zhongli hunkers down anyway, resting against the cover that still smells faintly of the man. That wistful, fond sensation will travel through their bond, of course.]

[there's a silence that mulls over all of them as the men just watch Zhongli for a moment. they then concede; the deity brings up a good point and compelling argument, enough that they're convinced that he has no ill intention with Dohalim.

along Zhongli's and Dohalim's bond, however, a spike in anxiety thrums along it, overtaking the fondness. it rakes against it, only to intensify with each minute, as if the longer Dohalim can't fins Zhongli, the more he panics.

on the other side of it, Dohalim hadn't been completely quelled after that small uptick from Zhongli, and decided that after his meeting, he'd go check on him, trying to convince himself along the way to his chambers that there's nothing wrong, and that the deity is still in his bed resting. but as soon as he gets there, it only takes a moment to take in the scene in front of him; potted plants knocked over and some smashed, other things thrown out of place, his bed a messy heap of blankets and a man very much missing. what happened, and more importantly, where is Zhongli?

breathing picks up as that panic settles in, the corruption taking hold of it as it claws its way back up. Zhongli's gone, he's not here, who knows where he is, he's left alone. he's alone, alonealoneaLONE--

along their bond, there's a desperate tug on it, almost trying to figure out where he is, and to stop himself from falling into the deep. the latter he's failing at]

[on his end, there's a pause, Zhongli's gaze turning away from his captors and off into the distance. those ears twitch and one might even think he was frowning, almost.

it's... worse than he thought, and that comes to light immediately as panic and anxiety fill their bond. overtaking everything he can give, he changes track somewhat; Dohalim can follow their bond regardless, but...]

... I've been gone too long. He is looking for me.

[it's an abrupt statement, as he's feeding as much reassurance as he can to their bond, along with what subtle sensations he can share. the dragon wiggles and pushes himself to his feet. he shouldn't have fallen asleep like that. should never have left Dohalim alone. hopefully, he'll have enough control to shift back soon... less for any worry of the Renan seeing him as he is and more for the want to hold the man.]

He will be here soon, and I will try to calm him when he does... it may behoove you all to take your leave for now, though.

[the men stay rooted to the spot with more looks of confusion on their faces. it's a sudden statement made from the creature, but that's not the confusing part. the three of them are thinking it, but one finally asks when curiosity gets the better of them.

"How do you know he's coming?"

of course, that curiosity also does keep them rooted to the spot, wanting to know just how close Zhongli and Dohalim are.

it doesn't take long for Dohalim to realise he can follow their bond; it's only a moment before he makes his way out of the palace. there's a muted silence on his side, as if all rational thought is being blocked. only a sense of dread and anger are what swirls in his head and pulls at their bond. there's barely a hint of who Dohalim is, that darkness almost completely overtaking him]

[Zhongli huffs a little, watching the men for a moment. are they really staying...? of course, he can't really force them to leave, especially like this.]

It was an imperative part of our contract. Apologies, I... don't think I have enough time to properly explain it. I really don't think it's a good idea for you to stay here right now. Dohalim masks it well, but I worry for his rationality at the moment.

[the muted sensation balls anxiety in the pit of Zhongli's stomach in turn, a faint worry that it might have just been too much. the sickness, his anxiety, the corruption... he'll just have to hope otherwise, and his attention drifts almost fully to the path back out of the forest. he won't be long now, the deity thinks.

it's not his place to explain why he thinks Dohalim will be upset, only urging them to go - they've seen what happens when it gets terribly bad, after all. if his own presence isn't enough to quell the anger...]

[only more questions and curiosities are raised the more that Zhongli speaks; none of what he's said really answers anything. but they all do wonder just how big of a mistake and misunderstanding this must have all been, but they were worried! surely they could explain the situation to their lord. the three of them are prepared to receive censure for what they've done, but Lord Dohalim is kind, is he not?

"Maybe if we explain things, then it'll be fine. He's an understanding man..."

Dohalim inches ever closer to the forest, dodging those along his path, and briskly dismissing anyone who tries to stop him for conversaion. Zhongli is right in that he can hide his tumult well, but perhaps it has something to do with their contract. he won't hurt anyone who's done nothing.

it's almost as if the trees shift as soon as Dohalim enters the forest, branches cracking ominously from sheer astral energy. as the Renan reaches them, he looks at the men with a wild look in his eyes, slightly hidden behind long bangs. they must be the cause of Zhongli's disappearace]

Where is he?

[Zhongli looks among them again, as if considering their resolve. There's a chance it will be alright, after all, as long as they all speak of what happened truthfully.

Waiting is excruciating, especially as the sensation of Dohalim's own astral energy blankets the area. He'd like to soothe him, to pull him close and apologise, but... for now, the dragon shifts to step forward, tail swishing against the blanket as he does.]

I am here, Lord Dohalim. I am uninjured.

[whether he'd make it to Dohalim or if the man would come to him first, Zhongli's attention is fully on the Renan. Part of it is assessing how deep the corruption has dug, but most of it is just... wanting to see him. And to make it clear from the familiar markings to the tuft of his tail, alongside his voice and their bond, that he is who he claims.]

[Zhongli's words almost go unheard; as Dohalim's eyes flick to Zhongli, his eyes widen for a moment. he... definitely did not leave him in this form, so how... that doesn't matter right this instant, though. his attention is back on the men who now look nervous and repentant, not knowing just how angry their lord is. had they pushed him over an edge that they shouldn't have? but they were trying to protect him...]

What were your intentions with him?

[Dohalim's voice is low and steady, almost too steady. nothing like his usual light tone. as if reading each other's minds, the three men kneel down in front of Dohalim, heads bowed low in apology.

"Please," one of them starts, voice trembling. "We had no intention of hurting Mr. Zhongli. We only wanted to know if he was plotting something against you."]

And you thought... That the best course of action was to abduct him?

[his eyes narrow as more of his astral energy fills the space around them. the voice in Dohalim's head tells him in that soft tone that these men are to be punished for their misdeeds, that they don't really care for him if they carelessly ripped Zhongli away from him.

but that voice also tells him that it's his fault as well. if he hadn't left the deity alone, then this could have been avoided. these men are at fault, yes, but so is he.

"We didn't know what to do! We had watched as he transformed from a human to this creature in your own bed. We thought he was going to hurt you! Especially after what Kelzalik--"]

Do you not think I am capable of protecting myself? I have defended every Dahnan's right to live freely in Menancia. I have done away with Kelzalik myself, and you offer protection against someone I've let close to me?

...

[as Zhongli watches, taking in the astral energy still rising within their space, the sensations between their bond. Dohalim isn't truly listening, he thinks, too busy blaming himself and the circumstances and individuals when in reality, the why matters less than what's actually happened.]

Dohalim.

[trotting over to the Renan, Zhongli rises up and puts his paws on one of the man's legs, climbing up to his tallest height and bonking his cheek against him. like this, he only comes up to around knee-height, but he stays there, peering up at the redhead as if pleading to be lifted.]

If they are at fault, I am too. This likely would not have escalated so... poorly had I awakened when they arrived. I am a little more instinctual in this form. I would ask that you listen to their wishes in full.

[read: he may have definitely freaked out and gone running before his brain caught up with what was actually going on.]

If you are at fault as well, then I will deal with you later.

[Dohalim doesn't know where to direct his anger at this point: does he keep it on the men kneeling in front of him, does he direct it at the small dragon at his feet, or does he torment himself with the idea that if the trio had a more ill intention towards Zhongli, what would have happened. he does forget himself for a moment, his voice holding a tone of threat towards the deity, as if it's in his position to punish him as well-- no, he is. Zhongli had pledged to gracefully accept any and all punishment Dohalim deems is deserved, so why would this be any different?

the Dahnans in front of them don't move, as if waiting for their lord's next move. even in his anger, even as his astral energy bears down on them, they know he's not like other lords. if he were, then they would have been punished already. or... is this how he disciplines? let them mull in their chastisement, before he serves them retribution for all they have done? they want to beg for mercy, like they've done in the past, but... is this what their lord truly wants?

of course, for Dohalim, there is that driving force, that small voice telling him to do it. the corruption's claws have sunk so deep into him that all he can think about how he could have been left alone again if he hadn't shown up in time. it twists those thoughts in his head, enough that it taints that bond between him and the deity. it pulls apart that rationality and fills the gaps with its darkness, pushing Dohalim deeper into it. perhaps it's because he's still sick, or just the circumstance, but he can feel himself sink into it. he's momentarily lost his grip on sanity and rationality; all he knows is this. all he knows is the cold dark.

the three men flinch as Dohalim summons his rod, the end of it brought down onto the wooden floor with a loud thud. it seems he really will punish them after all...]

[bad. it's bad. Zhongli isn't worried about his punishment - he's been here long enough now to know that was almost inevitable anyway. but for these three men... well, this isn't Dohalim. not truly.

this is something deeper that they cannot afford to have slip past this space, and if he continues... if that rod were to come down in judgment of men only trying to protect their lord...

and of course, he isn't without his own pride. it strikes him almost suddenly, his tail thumping thunderously on the floor this time as he shifts back.]

Then I ask you the same question. Do you think, knowing what I am, that I cannot protect myself, Dohalim? That I would enter into our contract were I so weak as to be thwarted by humans?

[the earth astral energy in the air is thick then, growing almost... still. Dohalim may have access to his master core, may have an abundant understanding of it, but he isn't made of it the way Zhongli is. that the man doesn't shift beyond this form means nothing, not when ripples of gold shimmer over his diminutive form, seeping away almost every bit of errant earth energy.

there's always the risk that Dohalim will just attack, but... well, Zhongli always honours his contracts. if he has to endure everyone's injuries to remind the Renan what that contract means, so be it.]

These people have harmed no one. They are your people, and they care for you. I will not allow action to be taken against them.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject